September 23, 2008

1.) Clip Coupons This one is obvious but I still see few people using them when I go grocery shopping.

2.) Look through grocery ads You will need to go through the ads to find out what their "loss leaders" for the week is.

3.) Don't stay loyal to a store/brand Why go to a store or buy a brand if they don't offer the best price? Wal-Mart may be evil but their prices are great.

4.) Consider buying generics While I have found myself some generics suck, at least try it once before buying the name brand.

5.) Don't buy sale items if you don't need them Why buy something on sale if it is not a good deal?

6.) Run the numbers on bulk items Buying 20 apple juices may be price efficient but you have to drink them all for it to work.

7.) Consider a weekly food budget If you are spending too much each week, break down the amount of money you are spending every week.

8.) Find great deals when going out to eat Places like Applebees and others have been having specials to pique interest of buyers. Look into those before going out.

9.) Avoid ordering pop/soda/whatever you call it where you are from Restaurants murder you on the price of pop so suck it up and drink water.

10.) Pass on appetizers and desert If your meal won't fill you up, go to a buffet.

11.) Bargain with independent contractors As someone who does independent work myself, cheaper work is better than no work. See what kind of deal you can negotiate.

12.) Find a credit card with great rewards Rewards for credit cards are a great thing if......

13.) Pay off your credit card monthly Rewards are worthless if you don't pay off the card every month. Make sure you are doing it.

14.) Shop for a high interest savings account The local bank does not always have the highest interest rate. Look into many online options.

15.) Call your credit card company and ask to have your rates reduced If you have a balance, the worse thing that they can say is no. If they say yes, it could be a huge help.

16.) Search online for coupons Instead of just clipping coupons, I have found some great deals online searching for items that I need coupons for.

17.) Buy an entertainment book The entertainment book has a cost up front but gives you a ton of deals that save money.

18.) Be able to walk when negotiating If you are trying to buy something, don't fall in love with it. Your biggest bargaining chip is being able to walk.

19.) Look for summer clothes in the fall You can find great clothes now (Although it is getting a little late) for the summer.

20.) Look for winter clothes in the spring If you need a new coat and can last the winter, try buying it this spring.

21.) Search Craigslist and ebay before buying new These sites can offer some great deals if you are willing to buy iy used.

22.) Shop at garage sales There is no reason people should not shop at garage sales. The deals are great.

23.) Ask for deals at garage sales The worst that the person can say is no so why not ask?

24.) Don't have kids/pets Just kidding. But I would assume both are costly.

25.) Pay off all loans with a high interest rate If you are attacking debt, go after that with the highest interest rate.

26.) Use Paperbackswap for books You can get some great books on Paperbackswap.com.

27.) Request that your local library buy new books you want to read My library has ordered a number of new books that I requested them to buy. That definitely saves me!

28.) Go to the cheap movie theater Instead of spending $8 a ticket for a movie, go to the cheap theater and cut the costs by a fourth.

29.) Rent from Redbox instead of Blockbuster Blockbuster is a rip off for movies so look at Redbox and other options in your area.

30.) Use Retailmenot.com/other money saving websites These sites are great to find coupon codes and other deals.

31.) Grow your own garden I am looking forward to growing a garden and saving money on vegetables.

32.) Understand your health/car insurance The more you know about your health and care insurance, the better you will be able to fight fees and problems.

33.) Be conservative when driving This step will help you save gas and then save money and the pump.

34.) Don't over water your lawn Give your lawn just enough water in the spring and summer.

35.) Turn off lights when not in the room This one should be obvious.

36.) Use energy efficient light bulbs These efficient light bulbs last longer and are cheaper on the electricity bill.

37.) Get coupons from ebay before making large purchases Before buying something big from Home Depot, buy a 10% off coupon. The price you will pay makes it very worth it.

38.) Learn how to change your own oil The time and money you save here are huge.

39.) Track your finances If you know where your money is going, it will give you a better feel on what areas you can clean up.

40.) Avoid doctors and dentists They can be expensive but this is another joke.

41.) Find free things to do around your area There are always free activities in your area. Check the newspaper at the library so you don't have to pay for it.

42.) Cancel cable/dish Is it worth $40 to $100 to sit in front of the TV every night?